Labornet Japan is a network of citizens, unionists, activists, scholars and others from all walks of life to share information especially about rights and struggles in and outside of Japan. Established in 2001, the group now has more than 500 members, and the membership is growing. The English site introduces some reports shared on Labornet Japan website and other sources outside of Japan.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Never allow sweat-shop corporations! Music teachers go on strike

Tens of music
teachers in their 20s and 30s stood holding musical instruments in front of
their workplace Enjoy Your Sound music school at Tokyo’s high-end Ginza
district to demand better working conditions on September 21. They established
a union in July after being forced to work 10 hours without any breaks long
enough to go to the bathroom, without overtime pay and with other problems. The
school refused to attend a collective bargaining session because it complained
about the number of members attending the negotiation. The union decided to
launch a strike. One of the members on the day of the strike said she was
nervous, while the union president (see photo), 31, told he wants to improve
harsh working environment. The members each had a say. “We are not objects.” “I
want to get paid for what I do.” “I want to give students good lessons. Give us
decent breaks between work.” Between the speeches, they performed music on the
streets of Ginza and gathered attention of shoppers.(M)